Most of us have heard the growing murmurs of probiotics and their “magical” powers. Some people have boasted that their new, consistent intake of probiotics has helped them shed those extra pesky pounds, but are they telling the truth? Read on as our team at AFC Urgent Care Chapman Highway provides some helpful insight regarding this new trend. Probiotics are live bacteria and yeasts that are good for you and the health of your digestive system. These terms usually carry a negative connotation, but our bodies are full of bacteria, both good and bad. Probiotics help your body balance “good” and “bad” bacteria to make sure everything is working as it should. They also help send food through your stomach by affecting nerves that control gut movement.

Benefits of Probiotics

• Can prevent and treat diarrhea
• Can help keep your heart healthy
• Can aid with mental health conditions
• Can reduce symptoms of some digestive disorders
• Can reduce the severity of allergies

Do Probiotics Work for Weight Loss?

If you’ve been singing the praises of probiotics’ magical pill-popping weight-loss powers, you might be a little disappointed. Research has shown that current, available probiotics probably won’t help people lose much weight. Not all hope is lost, though, as researchers are still studying the link between weight and bacteria in the stomach. Even though probiotics aren’t going to be your cure-all for weight-loss, they are very beneficial for enhancing your body’s good bacteria and keeping you healthy. The best way to lose those extra pounds is to maintain a good diet first while taking probiotics second. Your body’s friendly bacteria will thrive when fed healthy foods.

Ways to Keep Your Gut Healthy

• Eat more whole grains.
• Limit your consumption of processed meat.
• Eat more veggies and less sugar.
• Steam or grill your food rather than frying it.

Having stomach issues? Visit us today at AFC Urgent Care Chapman Highway for the treatment you need!